This is MBCR’s sixth class of Locomotive Engineers that will operate commuter rail trains throughout Eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

The new engineers were formally inducted March 28th, during a ceremony at south station in Boston. Sen. Thomas M. McGee, senate chairman of the joint committee on transportation; Stephen Jones, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority director of transportation and customer service for rail and water transportation; and Hugh J. Kiley, Jr., MBCR general manager were all featured speakers at the event.

“Safe and reliable service is MBCR’s top priority,” said Kiley. “After a year of rigorous training and hard work, these graduating engineers possess the skills needed to perform at the utmost level of safety from day one.”

MBCR’s Locomotive Engineer Training Program is among the most challenging in the country. Through their training, the new graduates have earned a highly coveted Train Engine Service Certification.

To become a locomotive engineer, graduates underwent a rigorous year-long training program, including:

Phase I: 10 weeks of classroom training

Airbrake systems

Diesel engine theory and trouble-shooting

Electrical systems

Safety

Federal law

Train handling theory

Railroad operating rules

Phase II: Field Training

Extensive instruction from certified instructor engineers and supervisors of locomotive engineers.Qualification tests on the physical characteristics of the entire commuter rail territory.Certification in all classes of train service.